GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 6:24
Advice
Contemporary audiences receive advice from more sources than ever before. And the sources of advice grow daily—more television, more radio, more podcasts, more social media accounts, more newspapers, more pundits, etc. A former governor is now hawking vitamin supplements on his religious broadcast—vitamins guaranteed to rejuvenate and restore vigor, even though the ex-politician has no medical training. Someone wearing a white lab coat and a stethoscope around her neck encourages her audience to take something for their brain that is guaranteed to improve memory. Religious gurus tell their faithful audiences that if they have strong faith, they will not struggle—just show that faith by sending a donation to the Lord’s work.
Mark tells a story that illustrates classic terrible advice. In his gospel, Mark recounts Herod Antipas hosting a large banquet for his military authorities and supporters to celebrate his birthday at Machaerus, a fortified palace east of the Dead Sea. At this banquet, Herod’s stepdaughter performed a dance, which pleased Herod. Thereupon, Herod made the likely wine-inspired promise to the dancing girl that he would give her anything she desired—even up to half of his kingdom. “And she went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask?’ And she said, ‘The head of John the Baptist.’” (Mark 6:24)
So in today’s advice-rich world, how can one avoid being taken in by bad Herodias-like advice? Among many protections, one should not mistake anecdotal testimonies for scientific evidence. Personal testimonies—such as evidence offered for a contemporary brain supplement—should not be mistaken for rigorous scientific testing. Consider the source. Be wary of information offered by paid “stars,” political figures, or sports heroes who have little or no training in the field in which they advertise. Look for information from multiple sources. Ask clarifying questions. Apply common sense. The old aphorism that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” still applies. Avoid spontaneous decisions. Take time to reflect, pray, consult trusted advisors, and use caution.
Previous
Next
Directory